Gate Safety (Hybrid Course) (LIVE Training Starts at 12 PM)

Don Jeppson brings decades of distinguished experience in building management, architectural leadership, and public sector administration. As a licensed professional with a strong foundation in both design and regulatory compliance, Don has held prominent roles across municipal and county agencies throughout his career.

Don currently serves as Chief Building Official for the City of East Palo Alto, where he continues to apply his expertise in building code enforcement, departmental leadership, and community-focused service delivery.

Prior to his current role, Don served as Assistant Director and Chief Building Official for the City of San Rafael, and previously as Director of the Washoe County Department of Building & Safety, where he managed a multimillion-dollar enterprise fund, led budget preparation, and oversaw comprehensive code enforcement operations. His earlier career includes work as an Architect and Associate Architect with the Washoe County Department of Public Works, as well as a tenure as an Interior Design Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Don holds a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Idaho and an Associate Degree in Architectural Design from Truckee Meadows Community College.

Our mission at WICED of California is to champion the advancement of women in all fields of code enforcement and development by facilitating professional growth, fostering leadership, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that upholds the highest standards of code compliance throughout the state.

Almarosa Vargas has dedicated herself to public service and maintaining high community standards for over 17 years in code enforcement. She began her career as an administrative analyst and has worked tirelessly with innovative problem-solving skills, leading her to become the first woman and Latina to head the Stockton Code Enforcement Division.In addition to her professional success, Almarosa has excelled academically, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She is now pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize code enforcement.

Almarosa is a shining example of perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of diversity in leadership. She is using these skills to assist in the formation of this chapter. As she continues to push boundaries in code enforcement, Almarosa serves as an inspiration to others and a strong advocate for her community.

Katlin Carey serves as a Fire Prevention Specialist II with the Truckee Fire Protection District. In her role, she is dedicated to reducing risk and enhancing community safety through fire prevention, code compliance, and public education efforts. She works closely with residents, contractors, and partner agencies to ensure adherence to fire and life safety regulations that protect people, property, and the surrounding environment.

With a background in code enforcement and certifications as a California Code Enforcement Officer and Code Officer Safety Specialist, Katlin brings a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and field operations. She applies this experience to support defensible space initiatives, new construction and development review, and inspection programs that strengthen community resilience in a high wildfire-risk region.

Katlin emphasizes the connection between building safety, fire prevention, and public policy, advocating for proactive strategies that support safe, sustainable growth. She remains actively engaged with industry professionals to promote best practices and advance fire and life safety standards.

Katlin believes that effective fire prevention is a shared responsibility and is committed to working collaboratively with the community to protect lives, property, and the unique character of the Truckee region. She welcomes opportunities to connect and discuss fire safety, community risk reduction, and the role of prevention in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Elisa Vargas, Palo Alto's Code Enforcement Supervisor and Building Inspector, embodies the fusion of humanities and technical expertise in public safety. A UC Berkeley English graduate, Elisa discovered her passion for building safety through volunteer work across California cities. Her journey led to ICC Residential Inspector and CACEO Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) certifications, specializing in hoarding abatement.

Fluent in Spanish and Greek, Elisa bridges communication gaps in diverse communities. Her career spans roles in various jurisdictions as a code enforcement consultant, culminating in her current leadership position in the City of Palo Alto.

Elisa actively participates in local ICC chapters and advocates for women in the building and safety industry. Her unique path from literature to code enforcement inspires others, demonstrating how diverse backgrounds enhance community well-being. Elisa's commitment to safety, continuous learning, and mentorship makes her a standout figure in building inspection and code enforcement.

Annie Swaim is a dedicated trailblazer in code enforcement, Annie's 16-year journey in government service exemplifies her unwavering commitment to community betterment. As Stockton's Code Enforcement Supervisor, she brings passion and expertise to every challenge. Annie's diverse background—from law enforcement support to domestic violence advocacy—fuels her holistic approach to public service. She is a graduate of CSU Fresno where she holds a bachelors degree in Criminology-Victimology. Annie is a natural leader and mentor,

Annie excels in program coordination, training, and community outreach. Her involvement with WICED showcases her dedication to advancing women in code enforcement, inspiring the next generation of professionals.

With a sharp mind for interpreting codes and a heart for community improvement, Annie embodies the perfect blend of authority and compassion. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one determined individual can have on their community.

Karyn Beebe, PE, LEED AP, is our Regional Manager for ICC Government Relations. She brings 25 years of industry experience and supports adoption and implementation of building codes throughout California, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands.

She is a licensed professional engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional whose path into structural engineering was shaped by a love of architecture and aptitude for math.